Free Her Perfect Man by Jillian Hart

searching for its programming.
    “All right, I’ll come up with one more thing,” he was saying. “I love old movies.”
    “Me, too.”
    “Maybe we can catch a showing down at the old renovated theater near campus.”
    “Uh, you mean as friends, right?” She grabbed the back of the seat in front of her as the bus lurched around a corner.
    “Right. Maybe we can bring Ephraim. He likes movies. And why not bring along Lauren and her husband? What do you say?”
    “I say that sounds like fun.”
    “I’m glad you think so. How does Saturday night sound?”
    “Doable on my end. I’ll check with Lauren.”
    “And I’ll check with Ephraim.” He planted his feet as the bus screeched to a stop. “How about we all go out for a bite beforehand?”
    “There’s a drive-in just across the street from the theater. They’ve got the best milk shakes.”
    “Sounds like a perfect plan.” The doors had opened and the kids were already standing and vying for space in the aisle. “Looks like we’re here. Remember what I told you last night?”
    “The challenge. How could I forget?” She swept her bag off the floor and stood in one fluid, graceful motion. Her hair was pulled back in a single ponytail again and wispy locks had escaped to curl around her face. Cute. Very cute.
    Friends. It was a good place to start. He grabbed his bag from beneath the seat and followed her out of the bus and into the parking lot at the county swimming pool.
    She turned to him, a gust of wind tangling her curls. She couldn’t help joking with him just a little. “Now refresh my memory. What did you say last night?”
    “I told you to be ready to rumble.”
    “And what exactly does that mean?” She fell into stride behind him.
    He slung his duffel over his shoulder. “I talked to Marin first thing this morning and found out that we’re having a water polo game after the swim lessons. Girls against boys.”
    “I suppose you think you can win?”
    “I’m supremely confident.”
    She tipped her head back and laughed sweetly. “You know the saying. Pride goes before a fall. I wouldn’t be counting on a victory if I were you.”
    “Now who’s being overly confident?” He kept an eye on the kids. Everyone was walking in a fairly orderly way into the building. “How about we say the loser cooks the winner dinner tonight.”
    “Sounds perfect to me. You can cook?”
    “No,” he quipped. “I’m just really hoping that I win.”
    Rain began to fall in huge drops from dark clouds, tapping all around him, drenching him in only a few steps. He didn’t mind at all because she was at his side. He felt good—better than he could ever remember feeling—as he held open the door for her and followed her inside.

Chapter Six
    O nce the hour of swimming lessons were through, Rebecca found herself treading water and unhooking the ropes that had divided the Olympic-size pool into stations for the different classes. She looked up to see Chad cutting smoothly through the blue water to help her.
    He tossed her a friendly grin as he stopped on the other side of the rope. “You’re a really good swimmer.”
    “Oh, does that surprise you?” She couldn’t help jesting just a little. After all, he had made an assumption that might be a tad erroneous and might work in her favor. What was he going to cook her for dinner? she wondered. Since he didn’t have any cooking skills, perhaps he could barbecue. A girl could always hope. “I’ve been swimming since I was little.”
    “I guess I didn’t think you were the athletic sort.” He swiped a shank of wet hair out of his eye. “That will teach me to make assumptions. Luckily, I happen to be a superior swimmer and an excellent water polo player.”
    “Me, too. Go ahead and talk yourself up, that still isn’t going to intimidate me. I intend to lead the girls to a victory.” She unhooked the rope and handed it to him. “Why don’t you prove your superior swimming skills and take this to the